Kim say no to stealing ears

In my area, there is a cornfield right across from my home. I told my husband that I was going to slip across the street one evening and grab a couple of ears for dinner. He told me I shouldn’t do that because I would be trespassing. I wasn’t talking about taking a bunch of corn, just a couple of ears. I don’t believe they will be missed by anyone. Doesn’t everybody do this? I mean no harm.

Susan

Tecumseh

Dear Susan,

Mmmm, nothing
beats fresh corn on the cob in the summertime. I live in a rural area and
frequently see people stopped along the road grabbing some delicious corn from
the field. The only thing I can say is – “I hope the field belongs to
them!” Of course, it’s not okay to go snatch a couple of ears of
corn!!! You would be STEALING from the person who planted the crop.

Seriously
though, crop theft is a major problem for farmers. You may not think that
taking a couple of ears of corn is a big deal, but if 100 people took a couple
of ears it becomes significant. Unfortunately, the incidence of crop
theft has increased over the last few years. Farmers have caught people
picking their strawberries and stealing their pumpkins. Not to mention
their delicious corn. Many are adding security features to their
property.

I worked with a
guy who planted an orchard on his property. While he was outside in the
yard, he witnessed a woman walk up to one of his apple trees and begin to pick
apples. He called out to her and asked what she was doing. She said
I’m just taking a few apples. He said, well, give me your address so I
can come over to your house and take some stuff! She threw the apples on
the ground and walked off in a huff. Taking another person’s property is
never okay. When you see your farmer neighbor, simply ask if you could buy
some of that delicious corn. If you don’t know who it is, check out a
farmer’s market or your local grocery store. Bottom line – don’t take the
corn! BTW, your husband is correct. It is trespassing.